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CIRT Investigates Officer-Involved Shooting on Columbia PikeARLINGTON, Va. – The regional Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) is investigating an Arlington County Police Department officer-involved shooting which occurred inside a 7-11 convenience store on the evening of May 8, 2026. At approximately 6:19 p.m., police were dispatched to Columbia Pike at S. Monroe Street for the report of a disorderly subject. Responding officers made contact with the suspect outside the 7-11 store, he produced a knife, ignored officer commands and entered the store. Officers established a perimeter and assisted patrons and employees with safely exiting the store. While the suspect remained inside the store, officers investigated the original call for service and determined a female victim was entering the store when the suspect approached and verbally threatened her. The victim was transported to the Office of the Magistrate where warrants were obtained for the suspect’s arrest for Assault and Obstruction of Justice. The suspect barricaded himself inside a back room of the store. Over several hours, officers and negotiators attempted to safely resolve the incident and take the suspect into custody on the outstanding warrants. Around 9 p.m., officers breached the door of the back room to take the suspect into custody. The suspect displayed a knife and two officers discharged their firearms, striking the suspect. A knife was recovered at the scene. Medics transported the suspect to an area hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. He has been identified as Shawn Valn, 33, of No Fixed Address. Two officers were transported to an area hospital as a precautionary measure and both have since been released. In accordance with department policy, the officers have been placed on routine administrative leave. Following completion of the investigation by CIRT, the investigative file will be forwarded to the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office for independent review. This remains an active criminal investigation. Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Arlington County Police Department’s Tip Line at 703-228-4180 or ACPDTipline@arlingtonva.us. Information may also be reported anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). Media ContactMedia Relations and Public Affairs Manager Image
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